Cass County has become a happening place the last several years.

New businesses, serving a variety of customers and catering to a diverse group of interests, are constantly popping up in Dowagiac, Cassopolis and Edwardsburg. Several major new developments, including the $9.6 million expansion of Southwestern Michigan College’s nursing building, have broken ground in recent months.

Looming atop of all of these positive changes is the ongoing discussion of the possible renovation and reuse of the former county courthouse in Cassopolis, which could become a major driver in the future of the village and region of the whole.

With so much action taking place in the area, leaders with Cass County are hoping to capture this positive momentum and use it to help determine the course leaders should take to make the region the strongest it can be in the years ahead.

The county administration is working with consultants with Ohio-based Management Partners to create a strategic plan that leaders will use to identify the region’s strengths and opportunities.

To create this plan, leaders are asking for input from county residents, business owners and other stakeholders, through a survey created by Management Partners. People may take the survey online, by visiting the county website at casscountymi.org/StrategicSurvey.aspx.

We encourage all our Cass County readers to spare a few minutes of their time to fill it out. It only takes around 15 minutes to complete, but the information will help the county immensely with its task.

Even high school or college students should fill out the form, as it will be the choices made today that will impact your future life and career here.

Like we mentioned before, Cass County is truly at a pivotal moment in its history. We can help shape the next several years of growth and excitement in our borders. It would be a shame if we let that go by without making our voices heard, first.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and editors Scott Novak and Ted Yoakum.